EU: Navalny's verdict raises serious questions as to rule of law in Russia
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued the following statement today.
"The charges against them [Navalny and Ofitserov - Euroradio] have not been substantiated during the trial, - Catherine Ashton states. - Civil society has a vital role to play in exposing wrongdoing and defending human rights, and it should not be stifled. <…> This outcome, given the procedural shortcomings, raises serious questions as to the state of the rule of law in Russia."
On July 18, Alexei Navalny and Pyotr Ofitserov were considered guilty of "Kirovles" case and sentenced to 5 and 4 years of imprisonment correspondingly.
In the photo: Alexei Navalny handcuffed in court
Photo: RAPSI
